Drug Crime Attorney In Windham County
Protecting Your Rights After A Drug Arrest
If you or a loved one were recently arrested on a drug charge in Windham County, you may be worried about jail, a criminal record, and what will happen in court. You do not have to face this alone. At The Law Office of Jerome Paun, we defend people accused of drug offenses throughout Eastern Connecticut.
Our firm has focused on criminal defense for decades, and Attorney Jerome Paun has more than 40 years of experience helping people navigate Connecticut's criminal courts. We work to protect your rights from the start, explain what to expect, and guide you through each step of your case.
When your freedom and future feel uncertain, having a steady, experienced advocate on your side can make a real difference. This page explains how we help, what to do after an arrest, and why many people choose us when they need a drug crime attorney Windham County residents can rely on.
Call (860) 455-4202 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more. Our attorneys are ready to help.
Why Choose Our Drug Defense Firm
When you are facing a drug charge, choosing the right defender is one of the most important decisions you will make. Our firm focuses on criminal defense for individuals facing arrests and investigations in Eastern Connecticut, including people charged with drug offenses in this county. We understand the local courts and procedures, and we know how quickly these cases can move.
Attorney Jerome Paun has over 40 years of criminal defense experience in Eastern Connecticut. He has been named among Connecticut's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, a recognition that reflects long-term dedication to defending people accused of crimes. Our office has also received the Clients' Choice style awards, which show how strongly past clients value the way we treat them.
We approach every case with a combination of compassion and vigorous advocacy. That means we listen carefully, answer questions in plain language, and keep you informed. It also means we work hard to analyze the evidence, challenge questionable police conduct, and present your side of the story in court when needed. Cost is often a major concern. We are committed to discussing fees openly and early, so you know what to expect. Our goal is to make quality criminal defense as accessible as we can, while giving each client the time and attention their case deserves.
What To Do After A Drug Arrest
The hours and days after a drug arrest are confusing and stressful. You may have been taken to a police department, released with a summons, or told to appear at a Connecticut Superior Court that handles cases from Windham County. The steps you take now can affect your case later.
Staying calm and making careful choices is difficult, especially if you have never been in trouble before. We encourage people to reach out to a drug defense lawyer Windham County residents can talk to quickly, so they do not have to guess about their next move. Until then, there are a few practical guidelines to keep in mind.
Helpful steps to take after a drug arrest:
- Do not discuss details of the case with police or anyone else without first speaking to an attorney.
- Keep all paperwork you receive, including any summons, bond documents, or property receipts.
- Write down what you remember about the stop, search, or arrest while it is still fresh in your mind.
- Make sure you know the date, time, and location of your first court appearance and plan to arrive early.
- Avoid posting about your case on social media or texting details that could later be used as evidence.
- Contact a drug arrest attorney Windham County defendants consult so your rights are protected from the start.
Early legal help can be important in protecting your rights related to searches, statements, and release conditions. When we become involved quickly, we can review how the police handled your case, explain what each court date is for, and help you avoid mistakes that could make matters worse.
Common Drug Charges & Consequences
Connecticut drug laws are complex, and the potential penalties depend on many different factors. In Windham County, people commonly face charges involving possession, possession with intent to sell, distribution, or issues related to controlled prescription medications. The type of substance and the alleged quantity can have a major impact on how a case is charged.
For example, possession of a small amount of a controlled substance is treated differently from an allegation that someone possessed a larger quantity with the intent to sell. Prior criminal history, the location of the incident, and whether weapons or money were involved can also influence what prosecutors decide to file. A drug lawyer Windham County residents hire needs to understand how these factors are usually handled in Eastern Connecticut courts.
Potential consequences can include fines, probation, mandatory treatment, community service, or incarceration. A drug conviction can also create long-term problems for employment, education, professional licensing, and immigration status. Even when jail time is not imposed, having a drug record that shows up on background checks can close doors for years.
Connecticut law does provide diversionary programs and alternatives for some people, especially those with limited records or who are struggling with substance use. Whether these options are available depends on the specific charge, your history, and how the court views your situation. Part of our work is to evaluate which paths might be open and explain the risks and benefits of each.
How We Defend Connecticut Drug Cases
Every drug case is different, and we treat it that way. When you contact our office, we start by listening to your side of the story and collecting the documents you have, such as the police report or summons. We then obtain additional case materials and look closely at how the police stop, search, or seize occurred.
Search and seizure issues are often central in drug cases. Questions about probable cause, warrants, whether you consented to a search, and how officers handled the evidence can all affect whether certain evidence is allowed in court. As a drug defense attorney Windham County clients rely on, our goal is to identify and raise legal issues that could change how the case proceeds.
We also focus heavily on communication. We explain the charges, potential penalties, and possible outcomes in plain language, not legal jargon. We talk through options such as negotiating with prosecutors, filing motions, or preparing for trial, always being clear that no particular result can be guaranteed. Our job is to help you make informed decisions based on a realistic understanding of your situation.
Attorney Jerome Paun’s more than 40 years in Eastern Connecticut criminal courts mean we understand local practices and how cases often move through the system. We work to prepare you for each appearance, so you know what will happen and what the court expects from you. Throughout the process, we strive to protect both your immediate interests and your long-term future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I call a lawyer after a drug arrest?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as you can after a drug arrest. Early advice can help you avoid harmful statements, protect your rights during questioning, and prepare for your first court date. Our firm speaks with people at all stages and explains the immediate next steps.
Will I go to jail for a first-time drug charge?
Many first-time drug cases do not result in jail, but outcomes depend on the charge, your history, and the facts. Connecticut sometimes offers programs that can reduce or resolve charges. We review your situation and discuss realistic possibilities before you decide how to proceed.
What happens at my first court date in Windham County?
Your first court date is usually an arraignment in a Connecticut Superior Court that handles cases from Windham County. The judge informs you of the charges, addresses bond or release conditions, and may schedule future dates. We work to explain the process in advance and stand beside you in court.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for a drug case?
Fees for drug cases vary based on the complexity of the charges and the work involved. We are committed to discussing costs clearly at the beginning, so you know what to expect. During a consultation, we explain our fee structure, answer questions, and look for options that fit your situation.
Will you judge me because of my drug charges?
No. Our role is to protect your rights, not judge your situation. People come to us at difficult times, often feeling ashamed or scared. We approach every client with respect and compassion, and we focus on helping you move forward and protect your future as much as possible.
Talk To Our Team Today
Drug charges in Connecticut are serious, and their impact can last for years. You do not have to handle court dates, prosecutors, and complex laws on your own. Speaking with a drug arrest lawyer that Windham County residents trust can help you understand your options and start protecting your future right away. At The Law Office of Jerome Paun, we bring more than 40 years of criminal defense experience in Eastern Connecticut, recognition among Connecticut's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, and a reputation for compassionate, vigorous advocacy. We communicate clearly, answer your questions, and discuss fees openly, so you know where you stand.
If you or a loved one is facing a drug charge in this area, we encourage you to reach out. A conversation with our office can help you feel less overwhelmed and more prepared for what comes next.
Call (860) 455-4202 to speak with our team about your drug case.
